By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Terry Fox Run inspiring hundreds of runners to fight back against cancer

Sep 14, 2018 | 1:51 PM

NANAIMO — Hundreds of runners will pound the pavement to honour the memory of Canadian icon Terry Fox.

The annual Terry Fox Run in Nanaimo starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16. People raising money for cancer research can take either a two or five kilometre run through Bowen Park.

The run has raised more than $320,000 locally. 

Brian Heese, 48, is an annual fixture at the run after being inspired as a young boy by Fox’s Marathon of Hope.

Heese called Fox a national hero and the greatest Canadian to have lived in his lifetime.

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“When I started having kids myself I wanted them to know about him and his legacy, what he stood for and what a national hero he was,” Heese said. “We made it a priority for our kids to participate in it.”

Heese said having Terry Fox’s legacy cemented long before the internet and social media speaks volumes. 

“That’s a testament to what a great person he was and what a great cause it is,” Heese said.

All funds go toward the Terry Fox Foundation, which is devoted to working on finding cures for cancer.

The Foundation estimated $20-million is raised annually from runs, walks and school fundraising efforts around the world.

Other Terry Fox Runs in honour of the Canadian icon happen in Parksville and Ladysmith.

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